Applicator pads

ABSTRACT

Cosmetic applicators, and methods for making and using the same, are described. The applicators are selectively configured so as to include, without limitation, one or more surfaces operable to access various confined spaces, such as but not limited to crevices, creases, folds, and the like of a human face. The applicators may be shaped in configurations selected from the group consisting of teardrops, ovals, diamonds, squares, multi-points, and combinations thereof. The applicators are provided with a relatively weak adhesive material disposed on a surface opposite the operative surface so as to permit the user to place the applicator on a fingertip and manipulate the applicator with having to grasp the applicator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The instant application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/573,999, filed May 24, 2004, the entirespecification of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to cosmetic applicators and moreparticularly to cosmetic applicators, and methods of making and usingthe same, that are selectively configured so as to include, withoutlimitation, one or more surfaces operable to access various confinedspaces, such as but not limited to crevices, creases, folds, and thelike of a human face.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional cosmetic applicators are typically employed to selectivelyapply cosmetics, as well to selectively remove cosmetics. Theseapplicators are sometimes comprised of foam and/or sponge materials.

In practice, the applicator is typically used to accumulate a suitableamount of cosmetic material on an outer major surface (i.e., anoperative surface) of the applicator, whereupon the accumulated cosmeticmaterial is then applied by a user or to a subject, e.g., during theapplication of make-up. Likewise, when it is desired to remove thecosmetic material from the user or the subject, a new (i.e., unsoiled)applicator is typically used to physically remove, typically by wiping,the cosmetic material.

Applicators that are shaped in a round configuration about the size of ahuman fingertip have been recently developed and are readilycommercially available from L'Oreal (Paris, France) under the trade nameLANCOME MAKEUP DOTS. These applicators typically have a weak adhesivematerial disposed on a major face (i.e., opposite the operative surface)thereof so as to permit the user to position the applicator on his/herfingertip without having to grasp the applicator during the makeupapplication process. Once the applicator is used, it can then be easilyremoved from the user's fingertip and either discarded or stored forlater use, if so desired. These applicators typically include anapproximate 0.59-inch length and can be packaged in kit form.

Although these types of applicators are useful, they suffer from themajor disadvantage of being incapable of accessing those portions of thehuman face wherein space is very limited. That is, the human facecontains many crevices, creases, folds, and the like, that make it verydifficult, if not impossible, for a round applicator to easily access.Non-limiting examples of these areas include the corners of the eyes andlips, the eyelids, the nostrils, the exterior portions of the ears, andthe like.

Accordingly, there exists a desire for cosmetic applicators and methodsof making and using the same, wherein the applicators are selectivelyconfigured so as to include, without limitation, one or more surfacesoperable to access various confined spaces, such as but not limited tocrevices, creases, folds, and the like of a human face

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the general teachings of the present invention,cosmetic applicators, and methods of making and using the same, areprovided.

In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, acosmetic applicator is provided including at least one surface operableto access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined spaceis selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds,wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the groupconsisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, andcombinations thereof.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, a kitis provided, comprising at least one cosmetic applicator including atleast one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face,wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting ofcrevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in ashape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond,square, multipoint, and combinations thereof.

In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, a systemis provided, comprising: (1) a backing layer; and (2) at least onecosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable to access aconfined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selectedfrom the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein theapplicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consistingof teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinationsthereof, wherein the at least one cosmetic applicator is selectivelyremovable from the backing layer.

In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, amethod is provided for making a cosmetic applicator comprising providinga cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable to accessa confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space is selectedfrom the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein theapplicator is configured in a shape selected from the group consistingof teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinationsthereof.

In accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a methodis provided for making a kit, comprising providing at least one cosmeticapplicator including at least one surface operable to access a confinedspace on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from thegroup consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator isconfigured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop,oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof.

In accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention, a methodis provided for making a system, comprising: (1) providing a backinglayer; and (2) providing at least one cosmetic applicator including atleast one surface operable to access a confined space on a human face,wherein the confined space is selected from the group consisting ofcrevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in ashape selected from the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond,square, multipoint, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least onecosmetic applicator is selectively removable from the backing layer.

A further understanding of the present invention will be had in view ofthe description of the drawings and detailed description of theinvention, when viewed in conjunction with the subjoined claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cosmetic applicator, inaccordance with the general teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates an elevational view of a teardrop-shaped cosmeticapplicator, in accordance with a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2B illustrates an elevational view of a raindrop-shaped cosmeticapplicator, in accordance with a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2C illustrates an elevational view of a fingernail-shaped cosmeticapplicator, in accordance with a third embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2D illustrates an elevational view of an oval-shaped cosmeticapplicator, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2E illustrates an elevational view of a diamond-shaped cosmeticapplicator, in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3A illustrates an elevational view of a larger teardrop-shapedcosmetic applicator, in accordance with a seventh embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3B illustrates an elevational view of a larger raindrop-shapedcosmetic applicator, in accordance with an eighth embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3C illustrates an elevational view of a larger fingernail-shapedcosmetic applicator, in accordance with a ninth embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3D illustrates an elevational view of a larger oval-shaped cosmeticapplicator, in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3E illustrates an elevational view of a larger diamond-shapedcosmetic applicator, in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates an elevational view of a square-shaped cosmeticapplicator, in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4B illustrates an elevational view of a two-pointed cosmeticapplicator, in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4C illustrates an elevational view of a three-pointed cosmeticapplicator, in accordance with a fourteenth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4D illustrates an elevational view of a four-pointed cosmeticapplicator, in accordance with a fifteenth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an elevational view of various differently shapedcosmetic applicators on a backing sheet, in accordance with a sixteenthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of various differently shapedcosmetic applicators in a kit form, in accordance with a seventeenthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a cosmetic applicator beingremoved from a backing sheet, in accordance with an eighteenthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a cosmetic applicator being removedfrom a backing sheet, in accordance with a nineteenth embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a cosmetic applicatorpositioned on a user's fingertip, in accordance with a twentiethembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a cosmetic applicatorpositioned on a user's fingertip being used to access a confined spaceon the user's face, in accordance with a twentieth embodiment of thepresent invention.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout thevarious Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter,it is to be understood at the outset that persons of skill in the artmay modify the invention herein described while still achieving thefavorable results of this disclosure. Accordingly, the description thatfollows is to be understood as being a broad teaching disclosuredirected to persons of skill in the appropriate arts, and not aslimiting upon the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, there is generally shown a cosmeticapplicator 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. Although a teardrop-shaped configuration is shown, it shouldbe appreciated that other configurations may be employed in the practiceof the present invention, such as but not limited to raindrops,fingernails, ovals, diamonds, squares, dual-points, multi-points, andthe like.

Applicator 10 can be comprised of any number of suitable materials,including but not limited to foams, sponges, foam-like materials,sponge-like materials, and the like. Regardless of the composition ofapplicator 10, it is preferred to employ materials that will not harm ordamage the user or subject's skin. Thus, materials that are relativelydeformable and/or resilient are preferred.

Applicator 10 primarily includes a body 12 having at least one majorface 14 that is intended to function as an operative surface 16. By“operative surface,” as that term is used herein, it is meant to includeany surface that is capable of being used to either apply and/or removecosmetics and the like from the skin of a user or subject. An opposedsecond major face 18 is intended to be used in conjunction with theuser's fingertip, to be discussed herein.

On a portion of the operative surface 16 there is preferably formed anoperative edge 20. By “operative edge,” as that term is used herein, itis meant any surface that is capable of accessing a confined space. Inthis embodiment, the operative edge 20 is depicted as being an area ofnarrowed width, as compared to the rest of the body 12, thus allowing itto relatively easily fit within a confined space. By way of anon-limiting example, a confined space can include, without limitation,a crevice, crease, fold, and the like of a human face. Non-limitingexamples of these areas include the corners of the eyes and lips, theeyelids, the nostrils, the exterior portions of the ears, and the like.It should also be appreciated that the present invention can bepracticed on other objects other than a human face, such as mannequins,models, sculptures, animal faces, and the like.

The exact dimensions of the applicator 10 are not thought to be criticalto the success of the invention, provided that at least one operativeedge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, the dimensions ofthe applicator 10 are approximately 0.5 inches at its widest point,approximately 0.75 inches at its longest point, and approximately 0.125inches wide in proximity to the operative edge 20.

An optional adhesive material 22 may be disposed on the second majorface 18. Without being bound to a particular theory of the operation ofthe present invention, the adhesive material 22 is intended tofacilitate the selective adherence of the second major face 18 to theuser's fingertip. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the adhesive material 22 should be strong enough soas to allow the second major face 18 to adhere to the user's fingertipwherein the applicator 10 can be manipulated without falling off fromthe user's fingertip. In accordance with another preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, the adhesive material 22 should not be so strongas to make removal of the second major face 18 from the second majorface 18 difficult. By way of a non-limiting example, the adhesivematerial 22 can include various types of adhesives, resins, tackifiers,waxes, and the like. It should also be appreciated that the adhesivematerial 22 can be pre-applied to the second major face 18 or,alternatively, the adhesive material 22 can be applied to the secondmajor face 18 at the time of use of the applicator 10.

Referring to FIG. 2B, there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator100, in accordance with a first alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. Similar to the previously described embodiment, e.g., in formand/or function, the applicator 100 includes a body 102 having at leastone major face 104, an operative surface 106, an opposed second majorface 108, an operative edge 110, and an optional adhesive material 112disposed on the second major face 108.

However this embodiment differs from the previously describedembodiment, in that the applicator 100, specifically the body 102, has asubstantially raindrop-shaped configuration. Although a raindrop-shapedconfiguration is shown, it should be appreciated that otherconfigurations may be employed in the practice of the present invention,such as but not limited to teardrops, fingernails, ovals, diamonds,squares, dual-points, multi-points, and the like. However, the functionof the applicator 100 is intended to be substantially identical to thepreviously described embodiment in that the operative edge 110 isintended to be able to access confined spaces.

The exact dimensions of the applicator 100 are not thought to becritical to the success of the invention, provided that at least oneoperative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, thedimensions of the applicator 100 are approximately 0.5 inches at itswidest point, approximately 0.8 inches at its longest point, andapproximately 0.25 inches wide in proximity to the operative edge 110.

Referring to FIG. 2C, there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator200, in accordance with a second alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. Similar to the previously described embodiments, e.g., inform and/or function, the applicator 200 includes a body 202 having atleast one major face 204, an operative surface 206, an opposed secondmajor face 208, an operative edge 210, and an optional adhesive material212 disposed on the second major face 208.

However this embodiment differs from the previously describedembodiments, in that the applicator 200, specifically the body 202, hasa substantially fingernail-shaped configuration. Although afingernail-shaped configuration is shown, it should be appreciated thatother configurations may be employed in the practice of the presentinvention, such as but not limited to teardrops, raindrops, ovals,diamonds, squares, dual-points, multi-points, and the like. However, thefunction of the applicator 200 is intended to be substantially identicalto the previously described embodiments in that the operative edge 210is intended to be able to access confined spaces.

The exact dimensions of the applicator 200 are not thought to becritical to the success of the invention, provided that at least oneoperative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, thedimensions of the applicator 200 are approximately 0.5 inches at itswidest point, approximately 0.75 inches at its longest point, andapproximately 0.25 inches wide in proximity to the operative edge 210.

Referring to FIG. 2D, there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator300, in accordance with a third alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. Similar to the previously described embodiments, e.g., inform and/or function, the applicator 300 includes a body 302 having atleast one major face 304, an operative surface 306, an opposed secondmajor face 308, an operative edge 310, and an optional adhesive material312 disposed on the second major face 308.

However this embodiment differs from the previously describedembodiments, in that the applicator 300, specifically the body 302, hasa substantially oval-shaped configuration. Although an oval-shapedconfiguration is shown, it should be appreciated that otherconfigurations may be employed in the practice of the present invention,such as but not limited to teardrops, raindrops, fingernails, diamonds,squares, dual-points, multi-points, and the like. However, the functionof the applicator 300 is intended to be substantially identical to thepreviously described embodiment in that the operative edge 310 isintended to be able to access confined spaces.

The exact dimensions of the applicator 300 are not thought to becritical to the success of the invention, provided that at least oneoperative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, thedimensions of the applicator 300 are approximately 0.5 inches at itswidest point, approximately 0.75 inches at its longest point, andapproximately 0.37 inches wide in proximity to the operative edge 310.

Referring to FIG. 2E, there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator400, in accordance with a fourth alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. Similar to the previously described embodiment, e.g., in formand/or function, the applicator 400 includes a body 402 having at leastone major face 404, an operative surface 406, an opposed second majorface 408, an operative edge 410, and an optional adhesive material 412disposed on the second major face 408.

However this embodiment differs from the previously describedembodiments, in that the applicator 400, specifically the body 402, hasa substantially diamond-shaped configuration. Although a diamond-shapedconfiguration is shown, it should be appreciated that otherconfigurations may be employed in the practice of the present invention,such as but not limited to teardrops, raindrops, fingernails, ovals,squares, dual-points, multi-points, and the like. However, the functionof the applicator 400 is intended to be substantially identical to thepreviously described embodiments in that the operative edge 410 isintended to be able to access confined spaces.

Because of the diamond shape, the applicator 400 can include a secondoperative edge 410′, located at a spaced and opposed end of theapplicator 400 from the other operative edge 410.

The exact dimensions of the applicator 400 are not thought to becritical to the success of the invention, provided that at least oneoperative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example, thedimensions of the applicator 400 are approximately 0.5 inches at itswidest point, approximately 0.75 inches at its longest point, andapproximately 0.25 inches wide in proximity to either operative edge410, 410′, respectively.

Because some individuals have various size fingertips, the presentinvention envisions the use of applicators of varying sizes anddimensions.

Referring to FIG. 3A, there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator500, in accordance with a fifth alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. It is similar to the previously described embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2A, in that it is substantially teardrop-shaped and includesa body 502 having at least one major face 504, an operative surface 506,an opposed second major face 508, an operative edge 510, and an optionaladhesive material 512 disposed on the second major face 508.

However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodimentshown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, in that the applicator 500, specifically thebody 502, is relatively larger. The exact dimensions of the applicator500 are not thought to be critical to the success of the invention,provided that at least one operative edge is provided. By way of anon-limiting example, the dimensions of the applicator 500 areapproximately 0.59 inches at its widest point, approximately 0.8 inchesat its longest point, and approximately 0.18 inches wide in proximity tothe operative edge 510.

Referring to FIG. 3B, there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator600, in accordance with a sixth alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. The applicator 600 includes a body 602 having at least onemajor face 604, an operative surface 606, an opposed second major face608, an operative edge 610, and an optional adhesive material 612disposed on the second major face 608.

However this embodiment differs from the previously describedembodiments in several respects. First, the applicator 600, specificallythe body 602, is substantially dauber-shaped (e.g. pear-shaped). Second,the applicator 600, specifically the body 502, is relatively larger thanmost of the previously described embodiments. The exact dimensions ofthe applicator 600 are not thought to be critical to the success of theinvention, provided that at least one operative edge is provided. By wayof a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the applicator 600 areapproximately 0.59 inches at its widest point, approximately 0.8 inchesat its longest point, and approximately 0.36 inches wide in proximity tothe operative edge 610.

Referring to FIG. 3C, there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator700, in accordance with a seventh alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. It is similar to the previously described embodiment shown inFIG. 2C, in that it is substantially fingernail-shaped and includes abody 702 having at least one major face 704, an operative surface 706,an opposed second major face 708, an operative edge 710, and an optionaladhesive material 712 disposed on the second major face 708.

However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodimentshown in FIG. 2C, in that the applicator 700, specifically the body 702,is relatively larger. The exact dimensions of the applicator 700 are notthought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that atleast one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example,the dimensions of the applicator 700 are approximately 0.59 inches atits widest point, approximately 0.8 inches at its longest point, andapproximately 0.25 inches wide in proximity to the operative edge 710.

Referring to FIG. 3D, there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator800, in accordance with an eighth alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. It is similar to the previously described embodiment shown inFIG. 2D, in that it is substantially oval-shaped and includes a body 802having at least one major face 804, an operative surface 806, an opposedsecond major face 808, an operative edge 810, and an optional adhesivematerial 812 disposed on the second major face 808.

However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodimentshown in FIG. 2D, in that the applicator 800, specifically the body 802,is relatively larger. The exact dimensions of the applicator 800 are notthought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that atleast one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example,the dimensions of the applicator 800 are approximately 0.59 inches atits widest point, approximately 0.8 inches at its longest point, andapproximately 0.4 inches wide in proximity to the operative edge 810.

Referring to FIG. 3E, there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator900, in accordance with a ninth alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. It is similar to the previously described embodiment shown inFIG. 2E, in that it is substantially diamond-shaped and includes a body902 having at least one major face 904, an operative surface 906, anopposed second major face 908, two spaced and opposed operative edges910, 910′, respectively, and an optional adhesive material 912 disposedon the second major face 908.

However this embodiment differs from the previously described embodimentshown in FIG. 2E, in that the applicator 900, specifically the body 902,is relatively larger. The exact dimensions of the applicator 900 are notthought to be critical to the success of the invention, provided that atleast one operative edge is provided. By way of a non-limiting example,the dimensions of the applicator 900 are approximately 0.59 inches atits widest point, approximately 0.8 inches at its longest point, andapproximately 0.3 inches wide in proximity to either of the operativeedges 910, 910′, respectively.

As previously noted, the applicators of the present invention can beconfigured in any number of shapes, provided that at least one operativeedge is provided.

Referring to FIG. 4A, there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator1000, in accordance with a tenth alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. It is substantially square-shaped and includes a body 1002having at least one major face 1004, an operative surface 1006, anopposed second major face 1008, four operative edges 1010, 1012, 1014,1016, respectively, and an optional adhesive material 1018 disposed onthe second major face 1008.

Referring to FIG. 4B, there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator1100, in accordance with an eleventh alternative embodiment of thepresent invention. It is substantially dual-pointed and includes a body1102 having at least one major face 1104, an operative surface 1106, anopposed second major face 1108, a pair of spaced and opposed operativeedges 1110, 1112, respectively, and an optional adhesive material 1114disposed on the second major face 1108.

Referring to FIG. 4C, there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator1200, in accordance with a twelfth alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. It is substantially three-pointed and includes a body 1202having at least one major face 1204, an operative surface 1206, anopposed second major face 1208, three operative edges 1210, 1212, 1214,respectively, and an optional adhesive material 1216 disposed on thesecond major face 1208.

Referring to FIG. 4D, there is generally shown a cosmetic applicator1300, in accordance with a thirteenth alternative embodiment of thepresent invention. It substantially four-pointed and includes a body1302 having at least one major face 1304, an operative surface 1306, anopposed second major face 1308, four operative edges 1310, 1312, 1314,1316, respectively, and an optional adhesive material 1318 disposed onthe second major face 1308.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is generally shown a cosmetic applicatorsheet system 1400, in accordance with a fourteenth alternativeembodiment of the present invention. The system 1400 preferably includesan optional sheet member 1402, such as a backing sheet made of anynumber of suitable materials such as polyester. Several applicators 1404are then formed on, or otherwise disposed on, the sheet member 1402 inpreparation for use. In this manner, the user can conveniently havemultiple applicators, instead of having to carry a multitude ofindividual applicators. Although several different types of applicatorsare shown, such as dauber-shaped applicators 1406, teardrop-shapedapplicators 1408, and fingernail-shaped applicators 1410, it should beappreciated that any number of different types of applicators could beused in conjunction with the sheet system 1400 of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a kit 1500 containing variouscosmetic applicators, in accordance with a fifteenth alternativeembodiment of the present invention. In this view, kit 1500 includes ahousing 1502 containing several applicators 1504 which can be formed on,or otherwise disposed on, an optional sheet member 1506 in preparationfor use. Furthermore, the kit 1500 can include one or more additionaloptional sheets members 1508 contained therein, for example, with eachsheet either containing identical types of applicators, or containingvarious applicator shapes to provide the user with a choice ofapplicator configurations.

In practice, any of the afore-mentioned applicators are intended toapply and remove cosmetic materials and the like from the skin of theuser and/or subject. Toward this end, cosmetic materials are preferablyapplied, disposed, accumulated, or otherwise placed any of the operativesurfaces. Cosmetic materials are then preferably applied to theuser's/subject's skin. Likewise, any of the afore-mentioned applicatorsmay be employed to remove previously applied cosmetic materials from theskin of users/subjects. By way of a non-limiting example, any of theafore-mentioned unsoiled operative surfaces are preferably wiped, rubbedor otherwise manipulated against the user's/subject's skin such that thecosmetic materials adhere thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 7-10, an illustrative method for using theapplicators of the present invention will be described.

Referring to FIGS. 7-8, it is preferred that the user remove anapplicator 1600 for the optional sheet member 1602 by picking theapplicator 1600 up from a peripheral edge thereof so that it lifts offand away from the sheet member 1602 so as to expose the adhesivematerial 1604.

Once the applicator 1600 has been removed from the sheet member 1602, itis preferred that the user place the applicator 1600 on a fingertip sothat the adhesive material 1604 is adjacent to the user's fingertip andthe first major face 1606 is exposed to the environment. In this manner,the adhesive material 1604 will serve to keep the applicator on theuser's fingertip without requiring the user to grasp, e.g., with his/herother fingers, the applicator 1600 so as to keep it from falling off theuser's fingertip. Thus, the user can use the applicator 1600 withoutfear that the applicator 1600 will fall off the user's fingertip.

Although the operative edge 1608 is shown as being oriented towards thetip of the user's fingertip, it should be appreciated that the operativeedge 1608 can be oriented in any number of directions on the user'sfingertip, depending, in part, on the particular needs and requirementsof the user.

Referring to FIG. 10, the user can then preferably use the applicator toeither apply and/or remove makeup and the like, from confined spaces,such as but not limited to creases, crevices, folds, and the like of ahuman face. Although FIG. 10 shows the user using the applicator 1600 inproximity to the user's eyelid, it should be appreciated that theapplicator 1600, especially the operative edge 1608, can be used on anynumber of surfaces.

The foregoing embodiments and examples are to be consideredillustrative, rather than restrictive of the invention, and thosemodifications, which come within the meaning and range of equivalence ofthe claims, are to be included therein.

1. A cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operable toaccess a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined space isselected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds, whereinthe applicator is configured in a shape selected from the groupconsisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, andcombinations thereof.
 2. The invention according to claim 1, furthercomprising at least one other surface operable to access the confinedspace on the human face.
 3. The invention according to claim 1, furthercomprising a plurality of surfaces operable to access the confined spaceon the human face.
 4. The invention according to claim 1, wherein theapplication is comprised of materials selected from the group consistingof foams, sponges, foam-like materials, sponge-like materials, andcombinations thereof.
 5. The invention according to claim 1, furthercomprising an adhesive material disposed on a surface of the applicator.6. The invention according to claim 5, further comprising a backinglayer adjacent to the adhesive material.
 7. The invention according toclaim 6, wherein the backing layer is selectively removable from theadhesive material.
 8. A kit, comprising: at least one cosmeticapplicator including at least one surface operable to access a confinedspace on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from thegroup consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator isconfigured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop,oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof.
 9. Theinvention according to claim 8, further comprising at least one othersurface operable to access the confined space on the human face.
 10. Theinvention according to claim 8, further comprising a plurality ofsurfaces operable to access the confined space on the human face. 11.The invention according to claim 8, wherein the application is comprisedof materials selected from the group consisting of foams, sponges,foam-like materials, sponge-like materials, and combinations thereof.12. The invention according to claim 8, further comprising an adhesivematerial disposed on a surface of the applicator.
 13. The inventionaccording to claim 12, further comprising a backing layer adjacent tothe adhesive material.
 14. The invention according to claim 13, whereinthe backing layer is selectively removable from the adhesive material.15. A system, comprising: a backing layer; and at least one cosmeticapplicator including at least one surface operable to access a confinedspace on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from thegroup consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator isconfigured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop,oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof, wherein theat least one cosmetic applicator is selectively removable from thebacking layer.
 16. The invention according to claim 15, furthercomprising at least one other surface operable to access the confinedspace on the human face.
 17. The invention according to claim 15,further comprising a plurality of surfaces operable to access theconfined space on the human face.
 18. The invention according to claim15, wherein the application is comprised of materials selected from thegroup consisting of foams, sponges, foam-like materials, sponge-likematerials, and combinations thereof.
 19. The invention according toclaim 15, further comprising an adhesive material disposed on a surfaceof the applicator.
 20. The invention according to claim 19, wherein thebacking layer is selectively removable from the adhesive material.
 21. Amethod for making a cosmetic applicator comprising providing a cosmeticapplicator including at least one surface operable to access a confinedspace on a human face, wherein the confined space is selected from thegroup consisting of crevices, creases, folds, wherein the applicator isconfigured in a shape selected from the group consisting of teardrop,oval, diamond, square, multipoint, and combinations thereof.
 22. Theinvention according to claim 21, further comprising at least one othersurface operable to access the confined space on the human face.
 23. Theinvention according to claim 21, further comprising a plurality ofsurfaces operable to access the confined space on the human face. 24.The invention according to claim 21, wherein the application iscomprised of materials selected from the group consisting of foams,sponges, foam-like materials, sponge-like materials, and combinationsthereof.
 25. The invention according to claim 21, further comprisingproviding an adhesive material disposed on a surface of the applicator.26. The invention according to claim 25, further comprising a backinglayer adjacent to the adhesive material.
 27. The invention according toclaim 26, wherein the backing layer is selectively removable from theadhesive material.
 28. A method for making a kit, comprising: providingat least one cosmetic applicator including at least one surface operableto access a confined space on a human face, wherein the confined spaceis selected from the group consisting of crevices, creases, folds,wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selected from the groupconsisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square, multipoint, andcombinations thereof.
 29. The invention according to claim 28, furthercomprising at least one other surface operable to access the confinedspace on the human face.
 30. The invention according to claim 28,further comprising a plurality of surfaces operable to access theconfined space on the human face.
 31. The invention according to claim28, wherein the application is comprised of materials selected from thegroup consisting of foams, sponges, foam-like materials, sponge-likematerials, and combinations thereof.
 32. The invention according toclaim 28, further comprising providing an adhesive material disposed ona surface of the applicator.
 33. The invention according to claim 32,further comprising providing a backing layer adjacent to the adhesivematerial.
 34. The invention according to claim 33, wherein the backinglayer is selectively removable from the adhesive material.
 35. A methodfor making a system, comprising: providing a backing layer; andproviding at least one cosmetic applicator including at least onesurface operable to access a confined space on a human face, wherein theconfined space is selected from the group consisting of crevices,creases, folds, wherein the applicator is configured in a shape selectedfrom the group consisting of teardrop, oval, diamond, square,multipoint, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one cosmeticapplicator is selectively removable from the backing layer.
 36. Theinvention according to claim 35, further comprising at least one othersurface operable to access the confined space on the human face.
 37. Theinvention according to claim 35, further comprising a plurality ofsurfaces operable to access the confined space on the human face. 38.The invention according to claim 35, wherein the application iscomprised of materials selected from the group consisting of foams,sponges, foam-like materials, sponge-like materials, and combinationsthereof.
 39. The invention according to claim 35, further comprisingproviding an adhesive material disposed on a surface of the applicator.40. The invention according to claim 39, wherein the backing layer isselectively removable from the adhesive material.